Arrangement consisting of a motor vehicle and a mobility aid with a restraint device to secure the mobility aid

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a motor vehicle (1) and a mobility aid (2) positioned in the motor vehicle (1), wherein the motor vehicle (1) includes a restraint device (3) for securing the mobility aid (2) in the motor vehicle (1). The restraint device (3) has at least one cushion-like, pressure-variable securing element (4) which can be applied to the mobility aid (2) in a contact state (5) and which can be converted into a securing configuration (6) at least in the contact state (5) by a change in the internal pressure of the at least one securing element (4).In this securing configuration (6) the mobility aid (2) is enclosed at least partially by the at least one securing element (4) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and is completely fixed relative to the motor vehicle (1), wherein in the securing configuration (6) a person (7) who is located on the mobility aid (2), in particular sitting, can also be fixed at least partially and / or secured via the at least one securing element (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a motor vehicle and a mobility aid positioned in the motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle includes a restraint device for securing the mobility aid within the motor vehicle. The restraint device has at least one cushion-like, pressure-adjustable securing element which can be applied to the mobility aid in a contact state and which, at least in the contact state, can be converted into a securing configuration by a change in internal pressure. In the secured configuration, the mobility aid is at least partially enclosed by the at least one securing element in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner and is completely fixed relative to the motor vehicle.

[0002] Securing mobility aids, i.e., wheelchairs and their users, regularly presents significant challenges for drivers of transport vehicles. Most wheelchairs are not stable enough to be secured using a single tie-down point. Therefore, they typically need to be secured at various points inside the vehicle with tie-down straps. Attaching and tightening numerous straps, which are often located in an awkward, low-lying position, poses a considerable challenge. Drivers or attendants frequently have to bend down or kneel to fasten the straps correctly, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming. Furthermore, it can be difficult to tighten the straps sufficiently to ensure secure fixation, especially if access to the tie-down points is restricted by the wheelchair or other equipment in the vehicle.These requirements can be particularly problematic when work needs to be done quickly, for example with changing passengers within a tight timeframe.

[0003] A device designed in the aforementioned sense for securing persons in wheelchairs in motor vehicles is disclosed, for example, in DE 9 311 021 U1, wherein the device comprises fixing devices for the wheelchair to the vehicle floor as well as belt attachments for the personal safety belt. The wheelchair is equipped with belt buckles that allow connection to both the personal safety belt and a belt system.

[0004] In addition to securing the wheelchair with straps, a positive-locking connection, for example using docking devices with grippers, is another option. However, a positive-locking connection between the wheelchair and the vehicle requires a stable frame on the wheelchair and a specially mounted coupling point. The wheelchair must therefore have a construction robust enough to withstand the stresses during travel and in the event of an accident. This necessitates that the wheelchair be designed or retrofitted accordingly, which is not possible with all models. The mounting of the coupling point on the vehicle must also be precise and stable to ensure a secure connection. These requirements increase both the complexity and the cost of equipping vehicles and wheelchairs with suitable securing systems.

[0005] A possible solution to this problem is proposed in DE 10 2019 205 419 A1, which discloses a device for securing cargo, in particular a wheelchair, in a motor vehicle. The device comprises at least two opposing securing elements that can be attached to the opposite outer sides of the cargo and that at least partially enclose the cargo in a form-fitting manner. In one embodiment, the securing elements consist of evacuable cushions filled with granules. When attached, the cushions conform to the contour of the cargo in a form-fitting manner, as the granules inside change their position and assume the shape of the cargo. By evacuating the air from the cushions, the granules are fixed in place, ensuring a secure hold. To release the cargo, the cushions are reinflated and the securing elements are moved into a parked position.

[0006] The aforementioned measures and solutions initially only prevent the wheelchair from moving uncontrollably within the vehicle, particularly in the event of an accident. However, this does not yet secure the wheelchair user if they cannot transfer to a vehicle seat with a suitable restraint system. The wheelchair user typically requires additional, separate head and back support, as well as a three-point seatbelt, to ensure their safety. The head and back support must stabilize the wheelchair user's body and prevent the head from being dangerously thrown backward in a collision, which could lead to serious cervical spine injuries. A three-point seatbelt, similar to those used in conventional vehicle seats, must be correctly fastened to secure the wheelchair user's upper body and pelvis and prevent them from slipping out from under the belt.These additional safety systems must be individually tailored to the wheelchair user and correctly installed, which often requires additional effort and special equipment.

[0007] Furthermore, restraint systems in motor vehicles are generally complex systems that must be well-coordinated. The use of a three-point seatbelt alone is usually insufficient to guarantee a high level of safety, as the seat, headrest, and airbags, among other components, must also be considered as part of the restraint system. For example, the seat must be designed to prevent the body from submerging beneath the seatbelt, a phenomenon known as submarining. The headrest must prevent hyperextension of the cervical spine, and the airbags must protect the head from impact with the vehicle structure.

[0008] Even for occupants of varying sizes, coordinating these systems presents a challenge. The demands increase further when different wheelchair models, along with their occupants, require a secure restraint system. In future autonomous taxis, there might no longer be a driver present to properly secure both the wheelchair and the potentially mobility-impaired passenger. This significantly raises the bar for the technical solutions used in restraint systems.

[0009] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of implementing the arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that not only a mobility aid can be secured in the motor vehicle.

[0010] This problem is solved by an arrangement according to the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, an arrangement is provided consisting of a motor vehicle and a mobility aid positioned in the motor vehicle, in particular a wheelchair, wherein the motor vehicle includes a restraint device, at least for securing the mobility aid in the motor vehicle.

[0012] The retaining device comprises at least one cushion-like, pressure-adjustable safety element. Pressure-adjustable means that the safety element is designed so that its internal pressure can be changed, i.e., it can be reversibly evacuated or degassed, e.g., vented and refilled, and in particular, vented. For this purpose, the safety element would, in particular, have at least one valve through which it would be connected to a venting and / or degassing line. The safety element should also have a filling material enclosed in a gas-tight shell, which, for example, is a single piece or multi-piece and / or open-pored. The filling material could thus consist of a single molded body made of an open-pored elastomeric foam, in particular a foam. However, it would also be conceivable for the safety element to consist of a multitude of loose, e.g.,The safety element consists of a cube-shaped molded body, between which gas or air cushions are formed when the element is filled with gas or air. These molded bodies could also be made of elastomeric foam. Depending on the requirements, polystyrene beads or dry sand can also be used as filling material.

[0013] According to the invention, the at least one locking element can be applied to the mobility aid in a contact state, wherein the at least one locking element can be converted into a locking configuration at least in the contact state by a change in internal pressure, in particular by evacuating the at least one locking element, in which the mobility aid is at least partially enclosed by the locking element in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner and is completely fixed to the motor vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention provides that, in the securing configuration, a person, particularly one seated on the mobility aid, can also be at least partially secured and / or at least partially fixed via the at least one securing element. Thus, it would be extremely advantageous to secure not only the mobility aid but also the person via the restraint system in the motor vehicle. In contrast to the mobility aid, which is always completely fixed when the at least one securing element is engaged, the person can be partially or completely fixed, with partial fixation allowing for a degree of residual mobility that increases comfort. For the person, there is also the advantage that no local pressure peaks are to be expected. On the contrary, after changes in internal pressure, particularly during evacuation, the initial contact pressure decreases again.By appropriately selecting the material of the casing and the filling material of at least one securing element, edges, folds and creases do not represent critical points.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the restraint device is designed with at least two securing areas, wherein a first, in particular lower, securing area is assigned to at least the mobility aid. A second, in particular upper, securing area is furthermore assigned to at least one upper body area of ​​the person located on the mobility aid. Further elaborating on this, at least one section of the at least one securing element covering the respective securing area, or at least one securing element covering the respective securing area, is provided for each securing area.Accordingly, in a design with at least two sections, the restraint device would have at least one, or possibly only one, securing element; in a design where the securing elements are not divided into sections, it would always have at least two securing elements. However, it is also conceivable that in a design with at least two securing elements, each element could have at least two sections. In principle, further development in this area offers an advantageous possibility of restraining the mobility aid and the person differently, in particular of fully restraining the mobility aid and partially or fully restraining the person.The design with two separate restraint zones allows the restraint system to be better adapted to various mobility aids and the individual needs of people who differ, for example, in physique, particularly height and / or body size. This increases comfort and safety for the person using the mobility aid.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sections and / or locking elements of each locking area are designed to allow for at least partial independent adjustment of the internal pressure. This allows the internal pressure to be adjusted partially or completely independently, enabling full locking in the first, particularly lower, locking area and partial or full locking of the mobility aid and / or the person in the second, particularly upper, locking area. Independent adjustment of the internal pressure allows for full locking in the first, particularly lower, locking area to securely fix the mobility aid, while the second, particularly upper, locking area can provide partial or full locking as needed. This ensures optimal safety for both the mobility aid and the person.The ability to control and / or regulate the internal pressure independently also contributes to greater comfort. The person can be restrained more gently in the second, particularly upper, restraint zone to avoid unpleasant pressure spikes, while the lower zone remains firmly fixed to ensure stability. The vehicle and / or restraint device can be equipped with a pressure control unit for this purpose, allowing separate control and / or regulation of the internal pressure. Furthermore, this enables the first, particularly lower, restraint zone to be used effectively, for example, for automatically securing other loose cargo. Suitcases, bags, or stroller frames could also be secured in this way.

[0017] A further advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that the at least one section and / or the at least one locking element, which covers at least the second safety area assigned to the person, can be converted between a partial locking configuration and a full locking configuration by changing the internal pressure. For this purpose, the internal pressure of the at least one section and / or the at least one locking element would be changed, or be changeable, between a partial locking internal pressure in the partial locking configuration that is minimized relative to the ambient pressure and a full locking internal pressure that is further reduced relative to this minimized partial locking internal pressure.In other words, to transition to the partial backup configuration, a pre-evacuation would first take place, and to transition to the full backup configuration, a residual evacuation of the at least one section and / or the at least one backup element covering the second safety area assigned to the person would take place.

[0018] In addition to the backup configuration, specifically the partial backup and full backup configurations, each section and / or backup element would also have a release configuration in which the internal pressure corresponds to the ambient pressure. Each section and / or backup element could then be switched between this release configuration and the backup configuration, specifically the partial backup and full backup configurations.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle and / or the restraint device also includes a hazard detection device by which a hazardous situation, in particular an accident and / or a potential accident, can be detected. As a result of the detection of the hazardous situation and the consequent transition of at least one section and / or at least one securing element from the partial restraint configuration to the full restraint configuration, the full restraint configuration is formed. In this way, it is possible for the person on the mobility aid to be only partially restrained during a regular journey, and thus, in particular, only stabilized, and to be able to move largely unhindered, which significantly increases the person's comfort.Only when a dangerous situation arises is the at least one section and / or the at least one securing element covering the second, particularly lower, safety area assigned to the person switched from the partial securing configuration to the full securing configuration, so that the person is completely restrained and secured. This allows for the extremely advantageous maintenance of both the person's comfort and their safety.

[0020] It should be noted that the restraint device could have at least two securing elements that could be brought into contact with the two wheel sides of the mobility aid, thus fixing it and / or the person to the wheel sides and / or at least laterally to the upper body. Partially enclosing the person at the front of the upper body is also conceivable. However, this design can have disadvantages, particularly if the mobility aid and the person are oriented in the direction of travel.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, a single securing element is provided, which covers at least the securing areas and can be brought into contact with the front or rear of the mobility aid. In its securing configuration, this securing element at least partially engages the mobility aid and the person by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection. The securing element can be fixed in place and brought into contact by being applied or, for example, by straps. The securing element would have a sufficient size and / or volume, as well as a shape, such that it covers both the first and second securing areas and / or consequently the mobility aid and the person, and at least partially engages them from the front or rear.The securing element preferably has at least two sections. Particularly when the mobility aid and the person are oriented in the direction of travel, a design of the securing element that can be brought into contact with the front of the mobility aid proves advantageous. In this configuration, the mobility aid would be positioned with its rear against the vehicle body, which would then form a buttress and support both the mobility aid and the person from behind. Furthermore, the front of the mobility aid and the person would be secured by the securing element. This would ensure a high level of safety for the person, especially in frontal and rear impacts, but also in side impacts. This is particularly true if the securing element also partially encloses the mobility aid and the person on at least one wheel side, preferably both wheel sides.

[0022] Another, but no less advantageous, embodiment of the invention is further characterized by a single, U-shaped locking element which covers at least the locking areas and can be brought into contact with the upper side of the mobility aid and / or from a roof section of the motor vehicle. In its locking configuration, this locking element engages the mobility aid and the person at least partially by positive and / or non-positive locking. The locking element thus has three essentially straight sections or two essentially straight sections and one curved section. The straight sections extending towards the mobility aid would have a length such that they engage the mobility aid at least partially from the wheel sides and thus secure it.The further straight or curved section, on the other hand, would at least partially enclose and thus fix the person in place.

[0023] A further, advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the restraint device includes a securing element associated with a head area and / or a back area of ​​the person, and preferably a further and / or stationary securing element. In principle, it would be conceivable that this securing element associated with the head area and / or the back area of ​​the person is the at least one securing element that also covers both securing areas. Preferably, however, the securing element associated with the head area and / or the back area of ​​the person would be a further securing element that is provided in addition to the at least one securing element covering both securing areas.The restraint element assigned to the head and / or back of the person advantageously provides additional fixation of the head and / or upper body from the back, thereby further increasing safety, particularly against head and spinal injuries. This is preferably also individually tailored to the person's physique. This restraint element can also be switched between a previously described release configuration and a locking configuration, with the locking configuration itself being capable of partial or full locking. Furthermore, this restraint element assigned to the head and / or back can also have at least two sections, which are at least partially designed to allow for independent adjustment of internal pressure.

[0024] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which the at least one securing element, especially each securing element associated with the head and / or back area of ​​the person, can be at least partially transferred between a contact state and a stowed state. On the one hand, the at least one securing element could be displaceable, for example, pivotable, rotatable, and / or linearly movable. In this context, it would be conceivable that the at least one securing element is arranged on a displacement device. This displacement device would then be rigidly connected to the motor vehicle, in particular to the body of the motor vehicle. The at least one securing element can be displaced, at least partially, e.g., to the roof, in particular the headliner, and / or the interior of the motor vehicle.On the other hand, at least one securing element, particularly in its unlocked configuration, could be designed to be variable in shape and / or volume. It is conceivable that this at least one securing element could be rolled up or folded within a stowage device and could be transitioned between the contact state and the stowed state by rolling and unrolling and / or folding and unfolding. A combination of a movable design and a design that is variable in shape and / or volume is also possible. Only one securing element, possibly an additional one, assigned to the head area and / or the back area of ​​the person could remain stationary. In principle, this design offers the advantage that, particularly when getting in and out and / or maneuvering the person along with the mobility aid, it can be moved into a non-obstructive position.

[0025] A further development of the invention is also advantageous if the at least one locking element has an emergency opening device, preferably mechanically actuated, by the actuation of which, particularly independently of a power supply, a change in the internal pressure of the locking element can be brought about, in particular increasing the internal pressure. The change in internal pressure would consist, in particular, of increasing the internal pressure to ambient pressure by filling the at least one locking element with a gas, in particular by venting it with air. This would thus bring the at least one locking element into its unlocked configuration and release the mobility aid and the person from it.This is advantageous in that the mobility aid and the person can be released from the restraint system and rescued from the vehicle even in the event of a loss of power supply to the motor vehicle and / or the restraint system, particularly after an accident.

[0026] The invention allows for numerous embodiments. To further illustrate its basic principle, one of these is shown in the drawing and described below. This shows in Fig. 1 an arrangement with the second section of the locking element in a partial locking state; Fig. 2 an arrangement with the second section of the locking element in a fully locked state.

[0027] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement consisting of the motor vehicle 1 and the mobility aid 2 positioned in the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 includes the restraint device 3 for securing the mobility aid 2 in the motor vehicle 1, wherein the restraint device 3 has the cushion-like, internally pressure-variable securing element 4, which is in its contact state 5 against the mobility aid 2.

[0028] The restraint device 3 is furthermore designed with two securing areas 8, 9, wherein the first, lower securing area 8 is assigned at least to the mobility aid 2 and the second, upper securing area 9 is assigned at least to the upper body area of ​​the person 7 located on the mobility aid 2. The single securing element 4, which covers the securing areas 8, 9, also has two sections 10, 11, which are designed to be independently adjustable in terms of internal pressure, whereby the securing element 4 can be brought into contact state 5 towards the front 14 of the mobility aid 2. Specifically, each section 10, 11 covers one of the securing areas 8, 9.

[0029] In general, the safety element 4 is also protected by a change in internal pressure, in this case an evacuation into the Fig. 1 and Fig. The safety configuration 6 shown is convertible, whereby the first section 10 of the safety element 4, which covers the first safety area 8, can only be converted into the full safety configuration 13 by – essentially – complete evacuation. In safety configuration 6 and full safety configuration 13, respectively, the mobility aid 2 is partially enclosed by the safety element 4, here corresponding to the first section 10, by means of a form-fit and / or force-fit connection and is completely fixed to the motor vehicle 1.

[0030] The second section 11, which covers the second safety zone 9, is, however, protected by an internal pressure change between the one in the Fig. Partial backup configuration 12 and the one presented in the Fig. The system can be converted to the full backup configuration 13 shown in section 2. The conversion to the partial backup configuration 12 is achieved by partially evacuating section 11 of the backup element 4, while the subsequent complete evacuation leads to the full backup configuration 13.

[0031] In partial safety configuration 12, person 7, who is on mobility aid 2, is as in the Fig. Figure 1 shows that during a regular journey, the safety element 4, specifically the second section 11, is partially enclosed but only partially fixed, thus providing stabilizing support. This allows person 7 to move around, at least to a limited extent, significantly increasing their comfort.

[0032] To nevertheless ensure the safety of person 7 in a hazardous situation, such as an accident or an impending accident, the motor vehicle 1 and / or the restraint device 3 has a hazard detection device (not shown in detail) by which a hazardous situation can be detected. As a result of the detection of the hazardous situation, the second section 11, covering the second safety zone 9, is switched from the partial safety configuration 12 to the full safety configuration 13, so that the person, as in the Fig. 2 shown, is partially enclosed by the securing element 4, here the second section 11, and is now completely fixed.

[0033] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further indicates that the locking element 4 covering the locking areas 8, 9 is located between the contact state 5 and the state described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The securing element 4 can be transferred to the stowed state 16 shown in dashed lines. For this purpose, the securing element 4 is relocatable, specifically pivotable on the vehicle 1 via the relocation device 18. To transfer, here relocate or pivot the securing element 4, from the contact state 5, in which the securing configuration 6 is formed, to the stowed state 16, it is first transferred to its unlocked configuration 19, in which the internal pressure of the securing element 4 corresponds to the ambient pressure. This releases and unlocks the mobility aid 2 and the person 7. The corresponding unlocked configuration 19 is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown in stowed state 16.

[0034] Furthermore, the restraint device 3 includes an additional, fixed securing element 15 assigned to the head area of ​​person 7. The securing element 15 advantageously provides additional fixation of person 7's head, thereby further increasing safety, particularly against head and spinal injuries.

[0035] To enable the mobility aid 2 and person 7 to be released from the restraint system 3 and rescued from the vehicle 1 even in the event of a power failure of the vehicle 1 and / or the restraint system 3, e.g., caused by an accident, the securing element 4 is equipped with the mechanically actuated emergency opening device 17. Actuating this device causes a change in the internal pressure of the securing element 4, particularly independently of the power supply. Specifically, by actuating, and in particular opening, the emergency opening device 17, the securing element 4 is vented until the internal pressure equals the ambient pressure. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 Mobility aid 3 Restraint device 4 safety element 5 Contact state 6 Backup configuration 7 Person 8 Security area 9 Security area Section 10 Section 11 12 Partial backup configuration 13 Full backup configuration 14 Front 15 safety element 16 Stowage state 17 Emergency opening device 18 Relocation device 19 Unlocking configuration QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 9 311 021 U1

[0003] DE 10 2019 205 419 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Arrangement comprising a motor vehicle (1) and a mobility aid (2) positioned in the motor vehicle (1), wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises a restraint device (3) for securing the mobility aid (2) in the motor vehicle (1), the restraint device (3) having at least one cushion-like, pressure-variable securing element (4) which can be applied to the mobility aid (2) forming a contact state (5) and the at least one securing element (4) can be transformed into a securing configuration (6) at least in the contact state (5) by a change in internal pressure, in particular by evacuating the at least one securing element (4), in which the mobility aid (2) is at least partially positively and / or force-fit enclosed by the at least one securing element (4) and is completely fixed relative to the motor vehicle (1), characterized by, that in the securing configuration (6) a person (7) who is located, in particular sitting on the mobility aid (2), can also be at least partially secured and / or fixed via the at least one securing element (4). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the restraint device (3) is designed with at least two securing areas (8, 9), wherein a first securing area (8) is assigned to at least the mobility aid (2) and a second securing area (9) is assigned to at least one upper body area of ​​the person (7) located on the mobility aid, and wherein for each securing area (8, 9) at least one section (10, 11) of the at least one securing element (4) covering the respective securing area (8, 9) or at least one securing element (4) covering the respective securing area (10, 11) is provided. [3] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the sections (10, 11) and / or a respective safety element (4) are designed to be at least partially independent of each other in terms of internal pressure variation. [4] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one section (11) and / or at least one safety element (4) which covers the second safety area (9) can be transformed by an internal pressure change between a partial safety configuration (12) and a full safety configuration (13). [5] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the motor vehicle (1) and / or the restraint device (2) has a hazard detection device by which a hazard situation can be detected, wherein as a result of detecting the hazard situation and a resulting transfer of the at least one section (11) and / or at least one safety element (4) covering the second safety area (11) from the partial safety configuration (12) to the full safety configuration (13), the full safety configuration (13) is formed. [6] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, exclusively a single securing element (4), covering at least the securing areas (8, 9), which can be brought into contact state (5) towards a front (14) or a rear of the mobility aid (2) and which encloses the mobility aid (2) and the person (7) in its securing configuration (6) at least partially in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. [7] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that only a single, U-shaped securing element (4) is designed to cover at least the securing areas (8, 9) and can be brought into contact state (5) from a head end of the mobility aid (2) and / or from a roof section of the motor vehicle (1) and encloses the mobility aid (2) and the person (7) in its securing configuration (6) at least partially in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. [8] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the restraint device (3) has a securing element (15) that is assigned to a head area and / or a back area of ​​the person (7), in particular a further and / or preferably a fixed securing element. [9] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one locking element (4, 15) can be transferred at least partially between the contact state (5) and a stowed state (16). [10] Arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (4, 15) has an emergency opening device (17), preferably mechanically actuated, by the actuation of which, in particular independently of a power supply, a change in the internal pressure of the locking element (4, 15) in particular increasing the internal pressure can be caused.

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